NRI body for international players in India-Gulf sector

Kozhikode, Sep 17 (UNI) Welcoming the Centre's decision to allow Jet Airlines to operate flights to a few destinations in the Gulf from next year, a Non-Resident Indians' welfare body today urged the government to introduce international players as well in the sector.

In a representation addressed to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, Sharjah-based Pravasi Bandhu Mukhti Morcha Chairman K V Shamsudheen said this would mitigate passengers' problems.

He said the Gulf-based budget airlines like Air Arabia, Al Jazeera, Al Ethihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates, Kuwait Airways and Gulf Air had already expressed their willingness to operate services to destinations in India.

He also urged the government to introduce Open Sky Policy, prompting a healthy competition among private players, paving way for fare reduction and quality service.

The government had permitted the Jet Airways to operate flights to the Gulf sector, including Kuwait, Muscat, Doha and Bharain from January one, ending the monopoly of Air India.

UNI